Police investigating two cold case murders

St. Augustine Police are looking for tips in two cold cases that are decades old. Police are asking for the public’s help in solving the murders.

Case information is from St. Augustine Police Department releases.

Case #1: Richard MacDougall

On Dec. 1, 1990, Richard MacDougall died after someone shot him on the sidewalk at the former Barnett Bank at 60 Cathedral Place.

Before the shooting, MacDougall, 23, and a friend went to Shrimp Haven Bar at 169 King St. and then walked toward the Tradewinds Bar on Charlotte Street.

When they got to Cathedral Place, MacDougall argued with an unidentified man. That argument ended in MacDougall’s death.

MacDougall was a construction worker for Meadors Construction.

Anyone with information about this case can call St. Augustine Police Department Detective Cecilia Aiple at 209-3487, the St. Augustine Police Tip Line at 209-3482.

Anyone with information about the case can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000 by providing the information to Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-(TIPS) 8477.

Case #2: Frances Bemis

Frances Bemis took a walk the night of Nov. 3, 1974. The next morning someone found her body in an empty field near 46 Marine St.

The medical examiner said she died from blunt force trauma.

Bemis’ neighbors said she walked every night. But on Nov. 3, they heard screaming around 7 p.m. Another neighbor “reported that it sounded like someone was being choked.”

After her body was found, police searched her neighborhood but did not find any evidence.

Bemis was involved with the organizations including the Humane Society the St. Augustine Art Association. She was also an activist for the proper treatment of carriage horses.

She owned the Maria Sanchez Apartments at 144 Marine St.

Anyone with information about the case can call Detective Cpl. Charles Simpson at 209-3484 or the St. Augustine Police Tip Line at 209-3482.

Anyone with information about the case can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000 by providing the information to Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-(TIPS) 8477.